I don't know about the Westin, but at the Buccaneer on STX, the "summer" season goes until the second week of December. Prices change December 13 (I think) and there is a considerable difference in winter and summer prices.

Supply and demand -- gotta love it.

I'm sure you can spend $600 a night at the Westin, but you should be able to get it for $259 or less. We booked through a travel agency and paid even less.
I admit, though, that the prices there have risen in the last few years and all I can say is "supply and demand". St John, the Westin included, have such great word of mouth that everyone is catching on.

Bert,

Check ebay, Many times you can get good deals on timeshare rentals. There is always a few listed for Westin St. John.

Thanks so much for your replies & suggestions! I'll continue to investigate this - because we loved our stay there. I always try to avoid the extra cost of a travel agent, but maybe they do have some deals going after May and into June. We try to visit our son, who lives on St Thomas, a few times a year and usually stay at either Secret Harbor (our favorite) or Bolongo or Marriott - but don't want to be "underfoot" this time and know that he & the girlfriend love their precious time off work to take the easy ferry to Cruz Bay anyway!

....or try my personal "fave" www.cheapcarribean.com. They had the following Fall rate, which includes airfare. Realizing the winter rates are higher but still nothing like $600/night.

FALL SALE! - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - ST JOHN - Westin Resort & Villas St. John - 5 Days/4 Nights with Air!
Sale ends - Nov 07, 2005!

Sandy beaches, gentle breezes, inviting pools and plenty of soothing sunshine!
Travel Dates: Now - December 16, 2005 (For Winter Sale Dates, click here)

4 nights from $898.00 per person!
(based on double occupancy)
-additional adults from $688.00
-children from $448.00
(daparture from St. Louis)

Prices have gone up, like all other locations, but not by that much. My guess is that your first trip there was through an agency, or a special offer/group rate, but now you're checking prices w/out any promo codes or offers. I'm getting $419/night for garden view during first week of December. Additionally, if you're checking now for 2005 Thanksgiving.....little late. You can reserve 330 days out and if you can plan that far it would save you $$$$s. I'd check w/a local travel agency. They normally have some special deals like pay for 4 nights and the get 5th free or similar. Additionally, if you have SPG points you can use them to reduce the rack rate by as much as 50% for upto 5 nights.

Good luck.

BTW, I just checked Westin's special:
Hotel & Room Information

The Westin St. John Resort & Villas
P.O. Box 8310
St. John, Virgin Islands 00831
United States
(340) 693-8000 Check-in Check-out
Dec 12, 2005 - 03:00 PM Dec 17, 2005 - 11:00 AM

1 Room, 1 Adult per room, No preference

Room Features: Garden View, Heavenly Bed, Heavenly Bath, Highspeed Internet For A Fee, Non-Smoking
Rate Description:
Daily Rate per Room excluding taxes & charges: USD 259.00
Total Rate excluding taxes & charges: USD 1,295.00

I am renting my timeshare for the week of 7/22/05-7/29/05 a one bedroom townhouse with 2 baths at the Westin for $3500. if intersted let me know. Sleeps 4.

Thanks so much for all of the responses. We are actually looking into a May vacation. What is the date when the fees turn to off-season at the Westin?

I can't imagine paying that much for a hotel room ... even if it is the Westin. We "played" at the Westin one day - that was enough! You should definitely look at Gallows Point or Caneel Bay if you want that type of accomodation, they definitely offer better beaches and water views than the Westin. Have you considered all the other options on STJ - for that kind of money you can easily get a nice condo, villa, etc., it just takes a little time and research and this message board is the best place to start ! Good luck and have a great trip! 🙂